Complete Guide to Buying Kitchen Cabinets

Homeowners Guide to Buying Kitchen Cabinets

A kitchen renovation is fun, exciting and a little stressful. Whether it is part of a larger project or you’re just looking for an update, A&P Custom Kitchens can help every step of the way. The three main areas to focus on are kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring. We have highlighted six things you must consider when buying kitchen cabinets online or from a professional remodeling contractor. Since your cabinetry will help define the overall look and feel of your space this is a very important decision that should not be handled lightly.

6 Things to Consider Before Buying New Kitchen Cabinets

Budget: While pricing and budget will fluctuate slightly once the sizing and style has been determined, you should have a good idea of the amount of money you want to spend on your kitchen renovation project. Further, consider what the future looks like for your home. If you plan on selling or renting you may want to opt for inexpensive cabinetry since the return on investment is not the greatest. But, if you plan on enjoying your upgraded kitchen for years to come you may want to splurge on mid or high-end options.

Type of Cabinet: When buying kitchen cabinets, consider which construction type you prefer.

• Stock Cabinets: This is the most affordable option as they are mass-produced, widely available and pre-assembled for easy installation. However, stock kitchen cabinets have limited availability in colors, materials and styles.
• Custom Cabinets: If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind cabinets you won’t find in cookie cutter homes, this is the high-end option for you. They are built to the exact size, style, color and finish you select with the craftsmanship for a $500 – $1200 per linear foot price tag.
• Semi-custom Cabinets: These come in the same colors, materials and styles as stock cabinets, but allow for flexibility to add custom features and change dimensions.

Cabinet Sizes: Having the exact measurements of your cabinets is the most important part of your overall project. Also consider any added height, width and depth for storage.

Framed or Frameless: Framed cabinets are more common and allow for easier installation of doors and drawers. Frameless offers a more modern, European look with fewer options for sizes and modifications.

Quality: The quality of your cabinets goes hand-in-hand with your budget and the end-goal of your kitchen renovation project. Opt for top-quality construction if you plan on living in the home for many years. High end cabinets should have solid frames, door and drawer fronts with reinforced cabinets and closed backs.

Decorating Style: Now that all factors have been considered, you can finally start deciding on your perfect cabinet style! Refer to home improvement magazines and websites to get a feel for the overall design of your custom kitchen before purchasing the cabinets. You want to make sure that your paint colors, cabinets, flooring and countertops all blend together.